This is for those who have already been to Barcelona. Otherwise, go wander around Barcelona, get lost in one of my favorite cities! Butttt, if you’ve been a few times and want to expand your horizons, here’s the perfect itinerary for your first twenty-four hours in Catalunya.
Land in Barcelona, pick up your rental, and head north on the Mediterranean Highway, Figueres-bound.
On the way, when you’re hungry and realize you need to see the sea stat, stop at one of the lovely rest stops along the way, refresh, and reroute to Empuriabrava.
There are many quaint little towns along the Costa Brava, but I especially love Empuriabrava, where the Muga River meets the Mediterranean in the Gulf of Roses. Look at that sentence! Muga River, Mediterranean, Gulf of Roses…I love Catalunya!
Perhaps there are better options in town food-wise, but Restaurant Ams is the perfect place to sit and bask in the sun while you take in the sea and recuperate from a long journey. Their patio is gorgeous, and the gambas al ajillo have just enough spice to make you sneeze twice. Pair it with some Cava, breathe deep, and write something.
Jet lag is the ultimate daylight saving time. One minute you’re in NYC, then bam, set your clocks forward six hours, and live like that until you fall back.
For all the time lost and gained, sleep-deprived and not quite sane, it’s worth it.
I can’t help but grin as the sun warms my soul, the beautiful blue in plain view.
May I remember this moment when lonely or spending my time with those undeserving. Let the sea and fresh breeze turn me on. Let exploration blow my mind. These memories are a kiss I’ll never forget….
Assimilate and enjoy, don’t worry about creating content. Afterall, your ticket entrance time is in less than an hour!
There is parking right by the museum. Pull in and go have your mind blown by Salvador Dalí.
THE MAN WAS A GENIUS! Maybe you kinda knew that already, but this experience culminates in a whole new appreciation for the breadth and depth of Dali’s mind. He is a master of revolution, of Surrealism, Cubism, Impressionism, Futurism, sculpture, video, audio, jewelry…all the things!
High on art, wander a few blocks down and check into the Hotel Plaza Inn, essentially a continuation of the afternoon’s folly.
There’s a sensation already that you’ll be back…
The Hotel Plaza Inn is the perfect place to stay for a night in Figueres. It’s easy to access by car, and the location is great, only steps away from the Dalí Museum and close to the center. Plus, it’s clean and cheap.
Alas, a shower and change of clothes, hunger rising.
First walk down Passeig Nou before it gets too late, as vendors line the edges with all kinds of treasures. You could get lost in all the cheap vinyl, but it’s time to taste!
After a pit stop at a random place for a glass of wine and a wifi connection for maps, head to Granada Vins. Don’t follow the route it gives (13 minutes), just look at the actual map and get there in about three minutes…the walk is fun all the same :)
This Figueres wine bar hits all the spots! The ambiance and staff are warm and inviting, the wine list features several local cellars, and they offer a wide array of Catalonian-style bites with a fun international twist.
I believe strongly in eating and drinking local. That which grows together goes together! Eat the just-made croquetas con mariscos (seafood croquettes) alongside a bottle of the Celler Mas Llunes Maragda Blanc and tell me I’m wrong.
Produced just a few miles up the road, in the teeny town of Garriguella in Spain’s Empordá DO, Maragada is a blend of sunny, voluptuous Macabeo and munchy Garnaxta Blanca. An overall salty personality makes the acidity come hard in your mouth, while flavors of pear blossom, lemon, and dried herbs yearn for the next bite. What a pleasant exchange with the perfectly seasoned breading and warm, creamy magic that is a croqueta!
And now, the main event: a lightly breaded grilled octopus tentacle over a bed of kimchi slaw with a house-secret cream that ties everything together. Bliss.
Get a cork, throw the bottle in your bag (ah, the sensibility and ease of Europe…), and go by the museum again to catch it at night before checking out Eglésia de Sant Pere. The hotel is near, it’s time to admire the view and retire. After all, big adventures await. Tomorrow to Penedés!
Say buenas noches to Figueres under a full moon!